Beating the Sun & Skin Cancer

[Pikeslayer]

So earlier this year, I had a brush with skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma, not the worst, but still unnerving. Got it carved out & follow ups were all good. However, the specialist did say that I was at high risk due to my recreational lifestyle. Lots of golf, fishing & time on the water. Like lots of us here.

Made a promise to my wife that I would follow through with preventative measures and I have (for the most part) kept my word. Tons of sunscreen (not the best long term option), wide brimmed head covering, protective clothing and I no longer spend 6+ hours on the water or in the sun on a given day. My SIL bought me a variety of UPF rated shirts for Father's Day this year & I can't stand them. Hot, sticky (despite the venting) & ultimately stinky & they always end up unbuttoned & rolled up sleeves;

 

 

So the subject came up in a casual discussion the other day with my good Pakistani friend (Big Cliff). Never heard about skin cancer or sunscreen before he arrived in Canada??

 

So long story short, after considerable research I decided that this option would be a better solution both UPF & comfort;

 

 

It is known as a Shalwar Kameez. 100% cotton with a dense but light thread weight, lots of room for air flow and extremely comfortable & cool (especially when commando;) ). I estimate that given the thread density & the darker colour, it's on the higher side for cotton with a UPF rating of 60+. I can up that if I wish by using RIT UV dye, but I've read some questionable data on that stuff. Still need the sunscreen for face, hands & feet as well as my Aussie Akubra, but I believe I'm better protected from the sun than I ever have been.

 

Now just need to check the club dress code

Edited July 16, 2016 by pikeslayer

[spincast]

been there - got the scars, lost half a cheek to it, got two wicked scars on each arm and appointment for another "inspection"in a couple weeks. I'm convinced I lost the cheek from years of driving as a living,

These days, its UV protection 50+ as soon as I hit the outdoors.

[Pikeslayer]

been there - got the scars, lost half a cheek to it, got two wicked scars on each arm and appointment for another "inspection"in a couple weeks. I'm convinced I lost the cheek from years of driving as a living,

These days, its UV protection 50+ as soon as I hit the outdoors.

We have an upscale menswear store here in Mississauga Rick. I figure we size about the same (XL) & I could pick one up for you if you wish. Edited July 16, 2016 by pikeslayer

[MJL]

Surprised you couldn't get along with the UPF rated shirts? Are they synthetic or cotton? Most synthetic materials are more breathable than cotton.

 

I cycle between 5 Simms UPF rated shirts and 3 pairs of SIMMS long UPF pants. Like you I've had my bout with cancer. In my case it wasn't skin cancer, but the chemo drugs left my skin pretty sensitive to UV light. I also can't scratch myself hard or it's permanent.

 

From top to bottom:

Baseball cap

Polarized sunglasses

UV Buff

Simms Guide shirt (UPF 50)

Simms zip pants (UPF 50)

Wigwam liner socks

Columbia water shoes

Simms guide sun gloves (UPF 50)

UPF 30-60 sunscreen on whatever skin is exposed (UPF depends on whatever is on sale at the store)

 

 

With that setup, I can wade in the water and I'm dry within 15mins if it's sunny out.

[Old Ironmaker]

I slather up with that hi SPF goop since I as well have had a few dark spots my Dr. doesn't like on my forehead and arms. No plan to carve them out yet. I wear a long sleeve hi SPF shirt and always wear long cotton pants, mainly for bugs. I wear a bandana when I remember and a wide brim hat when I remember that too. That's fishing only, golfing, shorts and short sleeve and cap. My wife gives me all Hell for that.

 

I don't like to fish or golf after 12 noon. The best prevention is to stay out of the Sun and that isn't happening anytime soon. When we were kids we would try and fry ourselves, the damage was done then I'm told but not to late to slow everything down.

 

I hope the worse is over for you my Middle Eastern friend.

[Pikeslayer]

Surprised you couldn't get along with the UPF rated shirts? Are they synthetic or cotton? Most synthetic materials are more breathable than cotton.

 

I cycle between 5 Simms UPF rated shirts and 3 pairs of SIMMS long UPF pants. Like you I've had my bout with cancer. In my case it wasn't skin cancer, but the chemo drugs left my skin pretty sensitive to UV light. I also can't scratch myself hard or it's permanent.

 

From top to bottom:

Baseball cap

Polarized sunglasses

UV Buff

Simms Guide shirt (UPF 50)

Simms zip pants (UPF 50)

Wigwam liner socks

Columbia water shoes

Simms guide sun gloves (UPF 50)

UPF 30-60 sunscreen on whatever skin is exposed (UPF depends on whatever is on sale at the store)

 

 

With that setup, I can wade in the water and I'm dry within 15mins if it's sunny out.

Just checked the tags. 90% nylon or polyester. I can definitely bear them early spring/late fall but they definitely fail the summer heat I got to say that the new ensemble is pretty much the next best thing to being bare ass naked & the wife is pleased that I've found clothing to wear in the back yard

[Mister G]

Take up knitting and all your problems are solved.........

[Pikeslayer]

I hope the worse is over for you my Middle Eastern friend.

THX OI. All things considered, that was a small blip on my personal radar

But not to be ignored.

[Pikeslayer]

Take up knitting and all your problems are solved.........

Haha. NPC for dinner tonite still one of my all time favourites.

[Mister G]

Haha. NPC for dinner tonite still one of my all time favourites.

And tomorrow is Sunday so BBQ shrimp ? ? ?

[Pikeslayer]

And tomorrow is Sunday so BBQ shrimp ? ? ?

Nope. Tomorrow is Saturday in this time zone LOL. BC is preparing that next weekend We'll toast an iced tea in your honour. Now quit hijacking my post

Edited July 16, 2016 by pikeslayer

[DRIFTER_016]

I wear the kind of shirts they do down in the tropics along with a face mask and long billed hat.

These guys have a bunch of stuff and some pretty decent sales too.

The long sleeve shirts actually breathe really, really well and it feels like you are shirtless but they have great UV stopping power.

Same deal with the face shields.

 

There are plenty of other manufacturers of this type of clothing as well.

Last time I was in Florida I went to the Tampa boat show and got a bunch of shirts off a friend of a friend for a really good price.

[PUMP KNOWS]

Thanks for starting this thread

Edited July 16, 2016 by PUMP KNOWS

[JoePa]

Boy - I remember when I was growing up - we ran around all summer with our shirts off and got sunburned a lot - to a point where our skin would blister and eventually peal off - we were told that the sun was good for you because you got vit D that way -

 

I've had some cancer on my one ear - that was taken care of - around my place I wear a wide brim hat but don't use any sun screen - when I'm out fishing I do because the sun reflects off the water - I think growing a beard would help keeping the sun off you face

 

Somehow I think it is more than just the sun that is involved because sometimes you hear of people getting cancer in spots that rarely get any sun - if ever -

 

When I work in the sun now I wear an old white long sleeved dress shirt - I think that is better than nothing

[huzzsaba]

pikeslayer, I too wear the shalwar kameez from time to time due to my background being from India. it's definitely good for protection from the sun and good ventilation. Probably the reason why they wear them in those countries in that kind of heat. Undoubtedly very comfortable and you can do splits with the shalwars on lol.

I think the key is to have as much cotton to keep cool and lighter color clothes.

 

My wife has also started to push me at being more careful out in the sun and I have started using sunscreen this year. I will also be trying long sleeve shirts which will be a first for me

 

If you need a couple of more pairs of shalwar kameez, shoot me a pm. I have a few new ones you can have .

Edited July 18, 2016 by huzzsaba

[John Bacon]

 

Somehow I think it is more than just the sun that is involved because sometimes you hear of people getting cancer in spots that rarely get any sun - if ever -

 

 

Speak for yourself

[DRIFTER_016]

Here are some more shirts like the ones I wear in extreme heat. Especially when fishing in the tropics.

Long sleeves always so my forearms don't get BBQ'd!!!

 

http://shop.toplevelshirts.com/ref/17/

[Mister G]

I prefer Cabela's Guidewear shirts and I have a few Huk performance t-shirts.....

 

http://www.cabelas.ca/product/75210/cabelas-guidewear-woven-long-sleeve-shirt-with-4most-upf

 

http://www.hukgear.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=tcw&gclid=CLKu-Y3v_M0CFcxZhgodmxEGoA

 

The Cabela's Guidewear shirts are not only very soft but have multiple zip up / velcro pockets to keep your wallet, cell phone and truck keys safe and sound if your wearing shorts without pockets. And you don't look like a clown wearing them.

[AKRISONER]

ive had great experience wearing the long sleeve fishing shirts

 

specifically fishing in 36 degree heat with high humidity. I wear them extra baggy and of course in the lightest colours possible. That coupled with a buff dumped in the lake and then covering my head and face, i feel cooler than i would with my shirt off. It basically feels like im standing wet in the shade on a hot day.

 

The key is the wet buff and hat for sure

 

 

 

[JoePa]

You guys wearing baseball type caps - your must better off with a wide brim hat to cover your ears - that's where I got some cancer - on the top of my ear -

[Beans]

I have had a couple of cancers cut out (back and face)...I now wear an old long sleeved white dress shirt when fishing or cutting the lawn in the sun due to the meds I'm on...They are marked "Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunshine."

[AKRISONER]

You guys wearing baseball type caps - your must better off with a wide brim hat to cover your ears - that's where I got some cancer - on the top of my ear -

 

thats why i place the buff over my ears...thats why they always get cooked!

[DRIFTER_016]

You guys wearing baseball type caps - your must better off with a wide brim hat to cover your ears - that's where I got some cancer - on the top of my ear -

 

Buff covers my ears.

[Pikeslayer]

pikeslayer, I too wear the shalwar kameez from time to time due to my background being from India. it's definitely good for protection from the sun and good ventilation. Probably the reason why they wear them in those countries in that kind of heat. Undoubtedly very comfortable and you can do splits with the shalwars on lol.

I think the key is to have as much cotton to keep cool and lighter color clothes.

 

My wife has also started to push me at being more careful out in the sun and I have started using sunscreen this year. I will also be trying long sleeve shirts which will be a first for me

 

If you need a couple of more pairs of shalwar kameez, shoot me a pm. I have a few new ones you can have .

Hey Huzz,

Thx for the offer but my needs are for one only as it is intended for time on the water. As it is 100% cotton, it hang dries from the laundry in about 30 minutes.

BTW, white & light colour pastels have the lowest UPF ratings. Darker colours are much better.

[Big Cliff]

Geeze guys I am not very good at protecting myself from the sun. Use to burn so badly when I was a kid that I would blister. I guess I've been lucky so far, I still don't use sun screen, I go around without a shirt on most of the time (Sue won't let me wear my speedo outside anymore so I do wear shorts. Guess it must be my ancestry eh Simon?